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Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6

Photo gallery for Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6

A dining area with a round table set for six, large windows offering a view of the outdoors, and a modern chandelier.
Property video
A bedroom with a bed, dresser, ceiling fan, and a view of the outdoors through a door.
A kitchen with a central island, built-in cabinets, and a large window offering a view.
A deck with outdoor seating, a grill, and a hanging chair.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Patio
  • Limo or town car service available
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
Hartsel, CO
  • Place, Highside Brewing
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, South Park City Museum
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Park County Public Library
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Second Bedroom

1 King Bed

Third Bedroom | Office

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Master Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Primary Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6

Forty private acres on the Colorado plateau, 40 minutes from Breckenridge, and some of the darkest night skies in North America. Gilson Ranch is a three-bedroom estate with no neighbors in sight — not a rental cluster, not a subdivided lot. One full property, yours for the stay.

THE SPACE
Two king suites anchor the sleeping. A third bedroom has two twin beds and a real workspace with a monitor and printer, which turns this into a functional remote-work base as well as a getaway. The chef's kitchen has an indoor wood-burning oven, a gas range, and stocked cooking basics. The great room has a wood-burning fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows out over the plateau.

WINTER AT THE RANCH
This is not a ski-in listing — this is the alternative. Breckenridge is a day trip: 40 minutes down US-285 and Hoosier Pass, ski the day, drive home. Antero and Spinney Reservoirs are close for ice fishing. Boreas Pass Nordic trails start twenty minutes away. Snowmobile country begins at the driveway. The outdoor hot tub is where the day ends — under some of the clearest, darkest skies in Colorado. Fairplay sits inside the informal boundary of the South Park dark-sky region; on a moonless night the Milky Way is a physical presence overhead. Winter is the best time for it — dry high-altitude air, no summer smoke, long nights.

THE LOCATION
Fairplay is a working mountain town in Park County, 40 minutes south of Breckenridge over Hoosier Pass, 90 minutes from DIA, 10,000 ft elevation. Grocery, gas, restaurants, and hardware in town. Alma is 15 minutes north on the way to Breck. Buena Vista and Salida are an hour south for hot springs.

GILSON CONCIERGE
Gilson Property Group is a professional hospitality team, not an individual host. The Gilson guest portal handles ID verification, access details, and optional add-ons before arrival — lift tickets, ski and snowboard rentals delivered to the door, private chef service, grocery pre-stock, airport transfers, and mid-stay housekeeping. We respond fast through the listing messenger.

GUEST ACCESS
Entry is via smart lock with a unique code delivered through the Gilson guest portal before arrival. You have exclusive access to all 40 acres, the full home, outdoor hot tub, indoor jet tub, and outdoor grill. No shared amenities, no neighboring rentals. Free on-site parking with room for trailers.

MANAGEMENT
Gilson Property Group is a professional hospitality team, not an individual host. We give you space and respond fast when you need us. Concierge add-ons include a private chef, grocery pre-stock, airport transfer, snowmobile tours, and mid-stay housekeeping.

BEFORE YOU BOOK — WINTER NOTES
Primary renter must be 25 or older. Damage protection replaces the traditional security deposit, so there is no hold placed on your card. It is offered at checkout and may be declined; guests who decline accept responsibility for any damage claims.

Ranch elevation is approximately 10,000 ft — plan hydration and take altitude seriously the first day. 4WD or all-wheel drive strongly recommended December through April; the driveway is a private ranch road, plowed after storms. Firewood is provided for the indoor wood-burning oven and the fireplace.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Due to limitation of the app, we're unable to add in our pricing that it's $35 per pet. We'll be sending additional charge request upon confirmation.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2959665vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Fairplay

Located in Fairplay, this holiday home is in the mountains. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by South Park City Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore San Isabel National Forest and Spinney Mountain State Park. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling.
Map
Hartsel, CO

What's nearby

  • Highside Brewing - 15 min drive - 24.2 km
  • South Park City Museum - 16 min drive - 25.0 km
  • Park County Public Library - 16 min drive - 25.0 km
  • High Creek Fen Preserve - 21 min drive - 32.2 km
  • Breckenridge Ski Resort - 54 min drive - 65.2 km

Getting around

  • Vail, CO (EGE-Eagle County Regional) - 132 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6?

As of 8 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6 on 1 Nov, 2026 start from S$953, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Fairplay Dark-Sky Ranch — 40 Acres, Hot Tub, Sleeps 6 located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is 8.6 mi (13.9 km) from San Isabel National Forest and 12.1 mi (19.4 km) from Highside Brewing. South Park City Museum and Alma Library are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location for fishing and outdoor activities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Apr, 2023
Thank you for choosing our home, Kelly! We hope to host you again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!!

Amazing place!!! Highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving escape

We had a wonderful time over Thanksgiving break…most relaxing trip we’ve taken with the kids by far. We especially enjoyed the very well stocked kitchen and the hot tub. Beds were also very comfy and communication with the hosts was easy. Highly recommend if you are looking for some quality family time in a peaceful and beautiful setting.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Escape in the Mountains

This place was great, just far enough out of town you didn’t have to deal with a ton of people but close to tons of hikes and access to National Forest. The house was great, super high end furnishings and accessories in the house along with plenty of linens and towels.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house in the country

This is a lovely property, with upgraded interior. You have the peace and privacy of the country with very nice amenities. Everything was sparkling clean on arrival, and all appliances worked perfectly. The foam beds were very comfortable and the linens were very nice as well. The bathrooms gave a luxurious feel
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was exceptionally awesome with making sure my stay was wonderful. When I needed help there made sure I got what I needed. The house was beautiful inside, beds very comfortable, laundry room was awesome to have use so that I was able to return home with clean clothes. Kitchen area had more than what I needed. Parking was no problem. And last but not least the view of the mountains was absolutely amazing, even had a preview of the winter with overnight snow squalls. Also available but Not used by me due to health concerns were the outside hot-tub and an inside hot-tub in the master bath along with a great shower with a sitting corner for those who are fragile standing or wanting to sit for other reasons. Outdoor patio’s and chairs were plentiful and faced the wonderful mountain vistas. Absolutely loved this vacation home stay. Definitely recommended!
After the snow squalls
Before the snow squalls
view of the surrounding mountains
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct, 2025
Wow—thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review! We’re truly delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your stay, from the comfort of the beds and the well-equipped kitchen to the convenience of the laundry room and parking. It’s wonderful to know the mountain views made your visit extra special, and we’re so glad you felt well taken care of throughout your time with us. We appreciate your kind words and recommendation—it means the world to our team. We’d be honored to welcome you back anytime for another mountain getaway!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home in the mountains

Our stay here was excellent! A great place to stay to feel like you're off the grid but with all the modern comforts. Downtown Fairplay was only a 15 minute scenic drive away for supplies. Check in/check out was a breeze. The house was immaculately clean and had a lot of nice touches throughout. The kitchen was fully stocked with supplies to make meals and the beds were very comfy, probably the best sleep I've had in weeks. Our group loved this property! It was very private, the only neighbors were the cows grazing in the morning. We enjoyed the stunning sunset walks, and amazing star gazing at night. The area has everything you need for a day outdoors - lots of nearby trails, rivers, and lakes for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. There's a great fly fishing spot right across the street at Tomahawk. The kids in our group want to come back every summer and it was an awesome and much needed escape from Denver, it was very hard to leave. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept, 2022
Thanks for your review, Colleen! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your time at our home and look forward to hosting you again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can I live here forever?

How do I even start this review honestly? This house, and its location is magical. Every single second of every day spent here was amazing. We woke up and saw rainbows, snow falling miles away on the peaks, heard and saw wildlife and farm animals, saw the milky way galaxy, all while feeling right at home in this beautiful house. It is well furnished, looks great, and is comfortable for the entire family. The beds are nice and the showers and hot tub are fantastic. Overall, pretending to live on a ranch in Colorado is a 100% must do, and staying at Josh's house is my number 1 pick out of ALL of Colorado. People in the surrounding town were friendly, and even the people who take care of the house were extremely nice and friendly. Love this house, love the ease of getting in touch with the host, and love the location. Book here and don't look back. You will thank me and yourself.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Gilson Property Group

Host profile image
Our family rental company is founded on hard work, family values, and state-of-the-art innovations that cultivate unique experiences. We own and manage properties in Michigan and Colorado.

We are passionate about people having great experiences, and we make it a priority for our team to give you the absolute best. Our main goal is for you to have a 5-star experience whenever you stay at our homes or rent our vehicles.

Why they chose this property

Experience the ultimate family vacation at our newly renovated mountain retreat, ideally situated between Fairplay and Hartsel. Discover a wealth of nearby attractions, from national and state parks to charming mountain towns, including Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Keystone, Aspen, and Vail - all within easy reach.

Our property stands out as one of the few in the area connected to grid power, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay for you and your family. Immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern amenities and conveniences at our inviting mountain hideaway. Book your unforgettable family escape today!

What makes this property unique

Experience truly unique benefits when you choose our mountain retreat for your stay:

1. Wildlife Encounters: Marvel at the beauty of nature with frequent sightings of moose, elk, deer, and horses roaming the area.

2. Unparalleled Privacy: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our 40-acre ranch, offering unparalleled seclusion and freedom to explore.

3. On-site EV Charger: Enjoy the convenience of our Level 2 EV charger, a rare amenity in the region, making your stay even more seamless.

4. Exclusive Car Rental: Take advantage of our car rental service for pickup at Denver Airport, just 2 hours away. As Power Hosts on Turo (the VRBO for vehicle rentals), we offer a variety of vehicles to suit your needs during your stay. Simply send us a message to request a link to our available vehicles.

Book our one-of-a-kind mountain getaway and experience these exceptional features for yourself!

Languages:

English

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They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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